Author Topic: Why I WILL Own a Browning Rifle (Read 8361 times)

Gregory · « **on:** January 08, 2007, 01:17:26 PM »

I've grown tired of the negative comments being posted on
http://www.graybeardoutdoors.com/smf/index.php/topic,105771.0.html

So I want to put a positive "spin" on Browning rifles and tell you my reasons for owning two of them.

1. I'm a lefty and Browning offers the A-Bolt in calibers ranging from the 22 Hornet to the 375 H&H Magnum in both short and long actions. I can't think of any other manufacturer that offers that wide a range in caliber selection for a lefty. Savage comes close, they offer from .22 Mag to .338 Win Mag in lefties. Most other manufactures give you the only normal long action .270, 30/06, and 7MM RemMag. as choices in lefties.

2. Excellent fit and finish.

3. Out of the box accuracy, no need for an after market trigger, or gunsmith work, although a Timney spring kit, for a nominal charge, is needed if you want less than a three lb trigger pull.

Why do you like Browning Rifles?

Hairtrigger · « **Reply #1 on:** January 08, 2007, 01:23:23 PM »

Fit and finish is one thing.
I also like the old Winchester reproductions they have come out with.
Attending the Browning Museum in Ogdon was almost a religous experience for me

dixiedog · « **Reply #2 on:** January 08, 2007, 01:32:29 PM »

Gregory, I like Browning firearns too, I also are a leftie and I am thinking about a BLR. I dont own any Brownings now but many years ago I had a Browning Light ( 12 ) early 70's and like a dummy I sold it for Deer rifle

not a Browning. What can you tell me about the BLR----- Thank's

Hairtrigger · « **Reply #3 on:** January 08, 2007, 01:38:08 PM »

In a local shop there is a BLR (pre 81) that looks NEW. It is in 243.
The problem is the lady that runs the place is a world class JERK

Cheesehead · « **Reply #4 on:** January 08, 2007, 01:55:35 PM »

I have owned an A-bolt Medallion for near 20 years. Topped with a Leopold vari-x 3 scope. Chambered in 7mm Remington magnum. The rifle is so reliable and durable and accurate and a joy to shoot. I have dropped it, fell on it, exposed it to rain and snow, and loaned out this rifle. It took some serious abuse being loaned out, live and learn. My point is, the abolt is the best rifle I have ever owned and I have owned a few. Some day I will buy another abolt. I am looking for a light bolt rifle, the TI model looks like the best.

Cheese

Gregory · « **Reply #5 on:** January 08, 2007, 02:02:49 PM »

Quote from: dixiedog on January 08, 2007, 01:32:29 PM

Gregory, I like Browning firearns too, I also are a leftie and I am thinking about a BLR. I dont own any Brownings now but many years ago I had a Browning Light ( 12 ) early 70's and like a dummy I sold it for Deer rifle not a Browning. What can you tell me about the BLR----- Thank's

dixiedog

Can't help you with the BLR, My two Brownings are both A Bolts. I would like the BLR a bit better if it had a non gloss finish, like the Hunter A Bolts. I think the fact Browning offers the BLR in a 358 Win caliber is terrific. I hope they offer a 338 Federal in an A Bolt or BLR soon.

45/70fan · « **Reply #6 on:** January 09, 2007, 10:03:43 AM »

What's not to like. My BLR in 270 shoots 1/2" groups all day long with factory Rem 130's.
My BPR in 7 Rem mag and BAR in 25-06 will both shoot into 1-1/2" with almost anything I feed them.

Will_C · « **Reply #7 on:** January 09, 2007, 10:53:53 AM »

1. I have a .243 that will shoot better than an .5" with a couple of different loads. (Threre's not many factory rifles that will do that, despite all the internet boasts!) My .30-06 will put three 150 gr. Acuubonds into .75" groups.

2. Fit and finish are superb for a rifle in that price range.

3. Triggers were acceptable out of the box, even better with a Timney trigger than even a dummy like me can install.

4. I like the 60 degree bolt lift.

Will

JHT · « **Reply #8 on:** January 09, 2007, 02:29:21 PM »

I have several Brownings that I have purchased over the years, not just rifles, and have always appreciated their attention to detail in light of the cost of the particular weapon. They generally appear to be a responsible manufacturer as well as receptive to the needs of purchasers. I for one very much enjoy all of my Browning weapons for all of their positive attributes.

JHT

Cheesehead · « **Reply #9 on:** January 09, 2007, 03:13:10 PM »

There is a large sporting goods store called Scheels about an hour from where I live. They have hundreds of rifles on display and available for the public to handle. I always find myself ending up in the Browning section and lingering there for some time. Last time I was there a BLR in 358 caught my interest. It had a satin stainless finish and was a joy to handle, no other gun like it. The same experience with a Browning TI. My point is that Brownings are very interesting and high quality for the money.

Cheese

muskydx · « **Reply #10 on:** March 14, 2007, 02:09:56 PM »

the short bolt throw, and smooth action really comes in handy on a cold day. Right after the start of the year I went to the range with a guy form work with a .223 and kept struggling with the bolt, and hitting my cold fingers on the scope. not a problem with the A-Bolt....

Deathwind · « **Reply #11 on:** April 09, 2007, 06:06:09 PM »

I have 2 Browning guns and both are in almost NIB condition.They are 2 of the nicest finest guns i own and work flawlessly.One is a 1969 BAR Grade II .308 win.,and the other is a 1959 Auto 5 Light twelve,vent.rib.round knob. Both are Belgium made and will be with me till death do us part.

dpastordan · « **Reply #12 on:** May 19, 2007, 03:31:07 PM »

It took me years but I finally graduated to a Browning - 2 that is! I have always admired the BAR's. Last fall I hunted with my uncle's BAR in .30-06. And the BLR's always looked nice. I found a deal on two Brownings: a BAR in 7mm Rem. Magnum and a BLR in .270. The BAR wears a Hunter 3x12 scope. I put a Williams "peep" sight on the BLR.

Cabin4 · « **Reply #13 on:** August 20, 2007, 05:51:01 PM »

Quote from: Hairtrigger on January 08, 2007, 01:38:08 PM

In a local shop there is a BLR (pre 81) that looks NEW. It is in 243.
The problem is the lady that runs the place is a world class JERK

This one cracks me up

Both sentences have nothing to do with the subject and either sentence has nothing to do with the other.

But for some reason, when I read them, I can't help but laugh....LOL

Hairtrigger · « **Reply #14 on:** August 21, 2007, 12:57:54 AM »

It took you 3 months to find that funny?

Cabin4 · « **Reply #15 on:** August 21, 2007, 03:27:47 AM »

Quote from: Hairtrigger on August 21, 2007, 12:57:54 AM

It took you 3 months to find that funny?

No.. I just saw it for the 1st time yesterday. Was researching Browning in the subject titles, so naturally read into this one.

You just made me read your post again by replying ...

Redhawk1 · « **Reply #16 on:** August 21, 2007, 03:57:00 AM »

Quote from: Gregory on January 08, 2007, 01:17:26 PM

I've grown tired of the negative comments being posted on
http://www.graybeardoutdoors.com/smf/index.php/topic,105771.0.html

So I want to put a positive "spin" on Browning rifles and tell you my reasons for owning two of them.

1. I'm a lefty and Browning offers the A-Bolt in calibers ranging from the 22 Hornet to the 375 H&H Magnum in both short and long actions. I can't think of any other manufacturer that offers that wide a range in caliber selection for a lefty. Savage comes close, they offer from .22 Mag to .338 Win Mag in lefties. Most other manufactures give you the only normal long action .270, 30/06, and 7MM RemMag. as choices in lefties.

2. Excellent fit and finish.

3. Out of the box accuracy, no need for an after market trigger, or gunsmith work, although a Timney spring kit, for a nominal charge, is needed if you want less than a three lb trigger pull.

Why do you like Browning Rifles?

I own 2 A-bolts. One is a 243 and the other is a 338 Win Mag. Both are excellent rifles. My buddy owns a A-bolt in 300 Win mag and it is a tack driver. Not a thing wrong with Browning rifles or any of there guns. JMHO.

Cabin4 · « **Reply #17 on:** August 21, 2007, 04:29:43 AM »

This subject is of interest to me because I'm in the market for a light weight mountain rifle in something like 270, 270 wsm, 7mm mag, etc... Looked at the Browning web site and ran accross their new SS Staulker. In the WSM it comes in at the 6.5 lbs range. And I like the idea of BOSS, but need to learn more. I want a very accurate gun that won't break the bank. I'm considering others as well like Tikka T3 Lite and a Savage.

Revolver Nuts · « **Reply #18 on:** August 21, 2007, 04:49:39 AM »

I have purchased many Browning shotguns over the years including; Superposed Field, Broadway trap, Auto 5 and Citori.

Recently I purchased my first Browning rifle. An A-bolt medallion in 308 caliber and it wears a 2.5 - 8 Vari-x III. I don't know why I waited so long to purchase one of their rifles. This rifle really shoots. Four shots with 180 Federal soft points at 100 yards that can be completely covered with a dime, which is about .68 diameter.

Revolver Nuts

chucky52 · « **Reply #19 on:** August 21, 2007, 11:16:06 AM »

Have given up on new Marlin quality. For a well made lever gun, you can't beat browning.

Cabin4 · « **Reply #20 on:** August 21, 2007, 12:07:56 PM »

How do those BLR's shoot compared to a bolt in same caliber?

I really like the straight grip version.

Hairtrigger · « **Reply #21 on:** August 21, 2007, 12:54:57 PM »

Quote from: cabin4 on August 21, 2007, 12:07:56 PM

How do those BLR's shoot compared to a bolt in same caliber?

I really like the straight grip version.

Depends who makes the bolt action I guess. My BLR 81 in 223 will easily shoot sub moa. That is better than I expected.

Skunk · « **Reply #22 on:** October 17, 2008, 04:38:14 PM »

Good thread. Lots of good reviews. Among the other million or so rifles I want, A Browning BAR Safari, is definitely towards the top of the list.

Gregory · « **Reply #23 on:** November 19, 2008, 01:57:01 PM »

This post is pushing two years old and I still like my Brownings, I now own three LH A-Bolts, two Stainless Stalkers in 25/06 and 30/06, and a Hunter in 22 Hornet.

dpe.ahoy · « **Reply #24 on:** December 14, 2008, 03:13:08 PM »

I won't part with my BLR, it will go to my youngest son, like the handling and the looks as well as the quality. Just got an A Bolt stainless Stalker in 280 just like I had 15 years ago. Needed the money and had to sell the first one. Like the looks, short bolt lift and the tang mounted safety. That style safety has always seemed like it was in the right spot for me, no matter what the name on the rifle is. DP

BRL · « **Reply #25 on:** January 01, 2009, 06:17:03 AM »

Glad this post was resurected. My BLR in 7mm-08 is my favorite (or tied with favorite) rifle. It just plain feels right and handles great. Fit and finish is great too. I'd like to own one of their bolt guns one day. I too am a Leftie...reason for buying the BLR.

chucky52 · « **Reply #26 on:** January 01, 2009, 06:52:24 AM »

Further to my prior comment about new Marlin quality. I recently faced another failure on the same Marlin that has already been back to Marlin 3x. picked up a Browning now. This Marlin was an unbelievable failure for two years. My new browning competes at every NRA Silhouette match. No problem with this Browning.

Warhawk · « **Reply #27 on:** January 05, 2010, 11:08:36 PM »

Quote from: Hairtrigger on January 08, 2007, 01:23:23 PM

Fit and finish is one thing.
I also like the old Winchester reproductions they have come out with.
Attending the Browning Museum in Ogdon was almost a religous experience for me

I lived in the Ogden area for 2 1/2 years, found out about and visited the Browning museum shortly before we moved away. What a great museum! It isn't huge, but you sure get a sense of the genius that JMB was.

Skunk · « **Reply #28 on:** January 06, 2010, 03:45:10 AM »

It would be awesome to visit the Browning Museum in Ogdon.

And as long as I'm here, might as well add a 20 gauge Browning Silver Hunter to my wish list.

searlock · « **Reply #29 on:** January 06, 2010, 04:19:30 AM »

i have an A bolt ll stainless stalker 26 inch barrel, no boss in .375H&H. it is my first and only browning and i have had it seven years now. this gun is sweet, puts holes touching together at 100 yds with remington 270gr factory ammo. i am soon to start handloading for it just to see what it will do. all i did to it was put a kickeze slip on pad on the butt and a custom Leupold scope. no tweeking here.